Staff at the Chamber of Commerce expressed concerns surrounding the safety of their Preston units and how business owners more widely can work together with police to combat criminal damage and keep their working environments safe.

Chief Executive Babs Murphy explained how the Chamber and their members county-wide had fallen victim to various forms of business crime, resulting in both distress for workers and damage costing businesses thousands.

The meeting also allowed Chief Superintendent Stasia to introduce herself to the business leaders as the new Divisional Commander for South Division and to set out her expectations for how a dedicated Business Crime Co-Ordinator would support the Chamber and how the Constabulary can work alongside businesses to better protect themselves and cut crime.

Following the meeting, Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said:

“It was great to meet with businesses who want to pro-actively work alongside police to help combat crime in their areas. I also welcomed the opportunity to discuss with Babs how recent investments will help them, including a new specialist anti-social behaviour unit to address concerns which is expected to be launched in Spring.

“In leading the fight against crime I will continue to work to tackle ASB and work with Lancashire Police to take the fight to criminals. Our message is clear, ASB will not be tolerated in Lancashire and we will continue to protect and support businesses.”

North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Babs Murphy, said:

“It was great to welcome Andrew to the Chamber of Commerce again, and even better to discuss how we can work together to keep not only workers on the business park but Lancashire safe.

“We are not the only business or area to have issues such as ASB and we certainly won’t be the last, but today’s meeting reassured our office that we can build on our existing relationship with the police to find solutions for not only ourselves but become a blue-print for other businesses.”